When it comes to hosting a successful party, one of the most important elements is the food. You want your guests to be talking about more than just the music and decor – you want them to be raving about the delicious dishes on offer too! In this article, we’ll share 20 mouth-watering party food recipes that are perfect for every occasion. From classic canapés to innovative twists on favorite flavors, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, birthday party, or just a casual get-together with friends, these recipes offer something for everyone. So go ahead, take the stress out of planning your menu, and let us guide you through the world of delicious party food. In this article, we’ll reveal our top picks for the most popular party foods – from savory to sweet – and provide you with the simple steps to create them at home.
Mini Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Mini Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
A sweet and spicy twist on traditional jalapeño poppers, these bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. Crunchy bacon and creamy cheese fill the spiciest of peppers.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeños
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapeños and carefully hollow out the insides.
3. In a bowl, mix together crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, cream cheese, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
4. Stuff each jalapeño with the bacon-cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the peppers.
5. Place stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Stuffed Bread
Elevate your snack game with this mouth-watering Spinach and Artichoke Dip Stuffed Bread, perfect for parties or cozy gatherings. A twist on the classic dip, this recipe combines creamy spinach and artichoke flavors with crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) loaf Italian bread
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Slice the bread into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. In a bowl, mix together spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Place a spoonful of the dip mixture onto each bread slice, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the bread over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape.
6. Place stuffed bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Blue Cheese
These bite-sized burgers pack a punch of flavor with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy blue cheese, and crispy buns. Perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces blue cheese crumbles
– Lettuce, tomato, onion (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chicken, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and butter until well combined.
3. Form into small patties, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. Place patties on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toast buns on the oven rack.
6. Assemble sliders by placing a chicken patty on each bun, topping with blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, tomato, and onion (if using).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crispy Parmesan Garlic Wings
Elevate your snack game with these addictive Crispy Parmesan Garlic Wings, perfect for game day gatherings or a quick weeknight treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add chicken wings and toss until coated evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange wings in a single layer.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the wings and sprinkle Parmesan cheese and minced garlic.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Loaded Nacho Cheese Potato Skins
Elevate your snack game with this indulgent take on the classic potato skin, loaded with melted nacho cheese, crispy bacon, and creamy sour cream.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
3. Scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer behind.
4. In a bowl, mix together cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
5. Stuff each potato skin with the cheese mixture, followed by crumbled bacon and a dollop of sour cream.
6. Sprinkle with cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes (baking potatoes) + 10-15 minutes (assembling and baking skins)
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your appetizer game with these colorful Caprese skewers, featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. A drizzle of rich balsamic glaze takes them to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fresh mozzarella balls
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 10-12 wooden skewers
– Balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Thread a mozzarella ball, cherry tomato half, and basil leaf onto each skewer.
3. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is slightly melted.
5. Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Pulled Pork BBQ Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with this sweet and tangy pulled pork BBQ twist! Moist, flavorful pork is mixed with a hint of smoky spice and then wrapped in a tender breadcrumb coating.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into 12-15 meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While the meatballs are cooking, mix together BBQ sauce and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl.
7. Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush with the BBQ sauce mixture.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread
Elevate your snack game with this mouthwatering pull-apart bread, infused with the flavors of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.1 oz) package of pizza dough
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Mix garlic, olive oil, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl. Spread evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Cut into long strips, starting from one end of the dough. Gently pull apart each strip to form individual pieces.
6. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Crab Cake Bites with Remoulade
Mini Crab Cake Bites with Remoulade Recipe
Summary: These bite-sized crab cakes are filled with flavorful lump crab meat and served with a tangy remoulade sauce for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to break up the lumps of crab meat.
3. Divide mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
4. Place crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with melted butter.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with remoulade sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts
Elevate your cheese board game with this easy-to-make, sweet, and savory baked brie recipe. The combination of creamy brie, drizzled honey, and crunchy walnuts is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz)
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons of pure honey
– 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove the brie cheese from its packaging and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Dot the top of the brie with unsalted butter.
4. Drizzle honey over the brie, allowing it to pool slightly in the center.
5. Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly over the honey.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is softened and slightly puffed.
7. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled eggs game with a kick of heat from spicy Sriracha sauce. These creamy, spicy bites are perfect for your next gathering or party.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mash the yolks with a fork until smooth.
3. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Sriracha sauce to the yolks. Mix until well combined.
4. Season the yolk mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
6. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or scallions on top (if using).
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just assemble and chill.
Greek Yogurt Ranch Veggie Dip
This creamy dip is perfect for snacking on veggies or chips, with a delicious blend of tangy yogurt and savory ranch flavors. It’s easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This dip is ready in just a few minutes of mixing.
Enjoy your delicious Greek Yogurt Ranch Veggie Dip!
Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
These savory treats are perfect for a snack or appetizer, combining the flaky goodness of puff pastry with the rich flavor of sausage. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of mouthwatering Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls to enjoy.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pound sausage (such as pork or chorizo), casings removed
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spoon sausage onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
4. Fold other half of pastry over sausage, pressing edges to seal. Use fork to crimp edges.
5. Brush tops with beaten egg and water mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each roll.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers
Elevate your BBQ game with these irresistible teriyaki chicken pineapple skewers, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken, pineapple, and a few drops of teriyaki sauce onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush the remaining teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken and pineapple.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Taco-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Add a flavorful twist to your snack game with these bite-sized taco-stuffed mini peppers! This recipe is perfect for game day gatherings, parties, or a quick and easy lunch.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mini bell peppers (any color), seeded
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef according to package instructions, adding taco seasoning and mixing well.
3. Stuff each mini bell pepper with about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture, followed by a spoonful of brown rice.
4. Top with shredded cheese (if using) and place peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with these buttery, garlicky, and succulent shrimp crostini. Perfect for a quick snack or party starter!
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds (about 24-30 slices)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together butter, garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
3. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Place 1-2 shrimp per crostini, depending on size.
6. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the shrimp.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
8. Serve warm with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
These bite-sized treats combine the creaminess of cheesecake with the sweetness of strawberries and the richness of chocolate. Perfect for parties, snacks, or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 12 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup sliced strawberries
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Mix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture into each liner.
3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Pour cheesecake batter into each liner, filling about 3/4 of the way.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool completely.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Dip cooled cheesecakes in melted chocolate.
7. Top with sliced strawberries and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pesto Pinwheels with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A flavorful twist on the classic pinwheel recipe, these Pesto Pinwheels with Sun-Dried Tomatoes are perfect for a quick snack or lunchbox addition.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of large flour tortillas
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together pesto sauce and cream cheese until smooth.
3. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the pesto mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
4. Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the pesto layer.
5. Roll up the tortillas tightly but gently, applying even pressure to ensure filling is evenly distributed.
6. Place pinwheels seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
These bite-sized treats are perfect for a summer gathering or a light lunch. The smokiness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the coolness of the cucumber, making for a flavorful and refreshing snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup smoked salmon, flaked
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and seeded
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 crackers (such as water crackers or Ritz)
Instructions:
1. Cut the cucumber into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked salmon and cream cheese until well combined.
3. Place a piece of cucumber on each cracker.
4. Top with a small dollop of the salmon-cream cheese mixture.
5. Sprinkle with chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tartlets
These bite-sized tartlets combine the natural sweetness of caramelized onions with the tanginess of goat cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
4. Arrange a spoonful of caramelized onions onto the center of each pastry square. Top with a dollop of goat cheese and a drizzle of honey.
5. Fold pastry squares into triangles to form tartlets. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests with these delicious party food recipes! From classic appetizers like buffalo chicken sliders and cheesy garlic wings, to unique twists like caprese skewers and pulled pork BBQ meatballs, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, game day gathering, or holiday celebration, these 20 mouthwatering recipes are sure to be a hit. With everything from savory dips and finger foods to sweet treats and snacks, this collection has got you covered. So go ahead, get creative, and serve up some unforgettable flavors!